Nucor Grating Blog

10 Common Industrial Applications of Metal Bar Grating

Practical Steel Bar Grating Applications

Bar grating has varied applications across a wide variety of mediums. Here’s a look at 10 common uses of bar grating.

1. Catwalk Flooring

An industrial catwalk is an elevated pedestrian walkway providing access to work environments without obstructing operations on the work floor. Common bar grating used for catwalks is 19w4, 1” x 3/16” and 19w4, 1 1/4” x 3/16” steel bar grating. Plain/smooth or serrated surfaces are both common with catwalks as well. The open design allows for ventilation and / or fire regulations. Catwalks fabricated with bar grating allow for long lasting durability and efficiency. They are virtually maintenance free and very cost efficient.

2. Sump Covers

A sump is a container or a pit where liquid such as water or chemicals is collected. Steel bar grating is an excellent solution for sump covers due the load tolerances and open design that allows for proper drainage while keeping larger objects from entering the sump. In most applications a trench will drain into a sump area, allowing the sump pump to push / pump water away and prevent flooding to a particular work area. Grating is cut to size and fabricated based on engineered specifications that will cover the sump. The sump cover can be engineered and fabricated to withstand either pedestrian traffic or heavy duty vehicular traffic.

Refer to our load tables to assist in determining the correct size bar grating for your project. Sump cover grating is often square or rectangular or circular in shape.

3. Railcars

Railcars or freight cars and locomotives are often equipped with bar grating used for brake steps, running boards, walkways, and platforms. This special wide mesh serrated bar grating offers an increased grip, reducing the risk of falling. Nucor’s Railroad Grating is approved and supplied as AAR (Association of American Railroads) welded grating and is available in a 25, 26, and 27 space bar grating with cross rods at 4” centers.

4. Ramps

Loading ramps offer a platform for loading heavy cargo onto trucks and elevated platforms. It is not uncommon for forklift operators to load products onto trucks, barges, and varied depositories– driving directly on top of the loading ramps. These loading ramps, either mobile or stationary, have the bearing bears aligned with the direction of the traffic offering superior strength while the serrated bar grating offers traction. The open space in the grating limits the accumulation of water, snow, debris, crude oil, or other obstructions that may otherwise impact the smooth operation of loading ramps. Grating is extremely versatile (size and spacing) and can be used for a variety of applications and vehicle compatibility.

5. Mezzanine Floors

Mezzanine flooring is an intermediate floor often found in high-ceilinged buildings such as a warehouse, distribution center or manufacturing facility. The open design bar grating is ideal for mezzanine flooring as it allows for ventilation, light, and sprinkler penetration. They are cost effective and virtually maintenance free. Typical bar grating used for mezzanines is 19w4, 1” x 3/16” and 19w4, 1 1/4” x 3/16” steel bar grating. Plain or serrated surfaces are both common with mezzanines.

6. Platforms

Platforms are often confused with mezzanines, however there are a few slight differences. Mezzanines are elevated areas within a building and partially cover the floor space below. A platform is outdoors and encompasses the entire floor or elevation. They can be enclosed or surrounded with railings. Bar grating, often called platform grating in this instance, is used in power plants, refineries, mining, and factories among many other industries. In some places, the irregular steel grating is needed to suit the ground shape or equipment shape. The size of grating will be determined based on the span and design loads as determined by the engineer of the project.

7. Paint Booth Grating

Paint booths serve to provide an isolated environment in which paint is applied and are typically fully enclosed or offer open front space. Typical bar grating used for paint booths is dependent based on the steel support structure and the overall vehicle loading and weight. In addition, the open space in grating allows for hot air to flow unobstructed throughout the structure, facilitating and aiding in quicker drying times.

8. Racks and Shelving

Industrial racks and shelving systems are used for organizing and storing products and tools. Bar grating is an excellent choice for racks and shelving due to its ability to withstand various loading conditions. Ideal use for warehouses and freezers, grating allows even air distribution.

In the event of a fire, bar grating is also the better option versus wooden shelving and racking.

9. Industrial Stair Treads

One of the most popular uses of bar grating is for industrial stair treads as both permanent and temporary structures. A tread is made up of metal grating (carbon steel, aluminum, or stainless steel) for the walking surface with carrier end-plates and nosing (checker plate, aluminum corrugated, or aluminum abrasive) that are welded together to form a load-bearing stair tread. Metal stair treads are available for both industrial and commercial applications where slip-resistance is desired. They also are ideal to limit buildup of water, snow, debris, crude oil, or other obstructions.

10. Trench Drains

A trench drain, also called a channel drain, is a floor drain containing a trough- or channel shaped body and can be interior or exterior. Narrower than it is long, trench drains are used for the rapid evacuation of surface water or containment of utility lines and chemical spills. A trench grate comprised of bar grating is often placed atop the drain system to create a stable walking surface that enables continued water or gas evacuation. The typical bar grating used for trenches is to be determined based on the overall loading conditions that will applied to the grating. Grating size can range from 1” x 3/16” for pedestrian use to extreme heavy-duty grating with 4” x 3/8” bars. Ultimately the engineer assigned to the project will be responsible for choosing the grating size based on loading conditions.

*Note, the applications is not a complete list of bar grating uses today including architectural applications that were not discussed. Every project is different, and we suggest you review the load tables and specifications in our catalog and consult the project engineer or architect before moving forward with your project. Should you need assistance our engineering team would be glad to assist.